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FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS, WAGES ARE RISING PAGE 4

USURY: THE MONEY OF PROPERTY SPECULATORS PAGE 5

VLORË—It was 19:20 yesterday evening when a powerful explosion caused panic among the residents of apartment building 523 in the Isa Boletini neighborhood of the city of Vlorë. The explosion destroyed the doors and windows on the fourth and third floors of the building, and the explosive had been placed next to the door of resident P.S. on the fourth floor of the building. PAGE 7

Although more than three months remain before the Congress of the Socialist Party convenes, the campaign can be said to have already begun, in practice, with a number of meetings that have been and are being held in the districts. It aims to set aside many places for analysis, for examining weaknesses and achievements, as an expression of the responsibility Socialists feel for governing the country. This is why, in general, the Socialists’ activities during this period are marked by moderation and responsibility, not by a spirit of orders and diktat, nor by formalism and empty applause, or displays of primitive populism, which so greatly tarnish the image of a genuine social-democratic party. This situation within the ranks of the Socialists, even under strong pressure from public opinion, contrasts sharply with the internal life and developments of the Democratic Party, which have always been characterized by a spirit of diktat and the exclusion of those who think differently, the waving of flags in a false show of unity, and even the surrender of the reins. To illustrate the civic-mindedness that characterizes the Socialists—not just today, but throughout their activity—it is enough to recall that, during more than five years in opposition, they did not organize a single illegal rally, did not seize or raise traps or weapons against their political opponents. Meanwhile, both when it was in power and now in opposition, the DP has made rule by force its mode of governance: the waving of flags, the language of revenge, and the antidemocratic methods of intimidation and physical violence against those who have embraced and promote an alternative. Nevertheless, there are quite a few people among us who brandish Kalashnikovs and create situations themselves in order to impose themselves on the country’s already tense social and political life. Anonymous phone calls and verbal threats, crude methods of intimidation and coercion, have still not disappeared from the scene. Unfortunately, there are also all sorts of so-called Socialists who, thinking they have found the way to submission through militarization, believe they can take someone’s role or get themselves into a position from which they can provoke— (Continued on page 3)

The minister promises: Honest people will replace those dismissed DISMISSALS • HEKTOR STEFANI (personnel director) • PETRIT KOÇIU (head of Durrës Customs) • ARALLAMB RAFI (head of Kakavijë Customs) • XHAFER HALILAJ (head of Kapshticë Customs) • SHABAN LIGU (customs police coordinator) TIRANA—A storm at Customs: 10 dismissals and warnings that others may be dismissed, issued by Finance Minister Angjeli. At the top of the list is the Director General of Customs, Ardian Maçi. It was Maçi himself who opened yesterday’s meeting with the heads of customs offices in the districts, at the Customs Directorate. “The reason you have come here,” he said, “is that customs results have shown no growth. Everyone here, starting with me, is on probation. In view of the work done so far, I have asked the Minister of Finance to review my position as director. This is because of our results, regardless of subjective or objective conditions.” Yesterday, Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli and Director General of Customs Ardian Maçi (Photo: ZERI) Yesterday, Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli and Director General of Customs Ardian Maçi (Photo: ZERI)

The appeal court releases the “smuggling” ship. “Blue Eye,” seized in September 1998 in Bunë with 3,680 cartons of cigarettes, will set sail for Greece. PAGE 6

KORÇË—The first phase of the Korçë-Kapshticë expressway project has been completed. In fact, many elements of the second phase have also been completed, including the preparation of lists of the families to be expropriated as part of the project, and the tender among competing companies has also been held. PAGE 10

THE PEOPLE’S VOICE 20.03.1999. SHKODËR, DURRËS, ELBASAN, KORÇË, THE SOUTH DIARY Majko in Shkodër today Accompanied by 7 ministers and 17 representatives of embassies in Tirana PAGE 8

VIDH [text cut off at the bottom edge of the image]

The appeal court frees the ship “Kopta...

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